Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Simple Stool Slip Cover


Here is an easy way to change the look of a simple square upholstered stool. The picture on the top shows the original stool. The picture on the bottom is the slip covered stool in "Zebra" (color - Steel) available at Calico Corners.

The slip covers below are made from a remnant of Italian fabric (top) and a remnant of embroidered linen fabric (bottom) also purchased from Calico Corners.

Requiring only a minimal amount of fabric and simple sewing, this project can be completed in less than 1 1/2 hours. The button-tufted stool is from West Elm and measures approximately 16" square x 18" high but similar inexpensive cube style stools can easily be found at a variety of other places including Target and Marshalls Home Goods.
Directions:
  1. Determine fabric measurements - Measure top and four sides of stool. Add 1 inch to length and width of stool top for seam allowances. Add 1 inch to width of stool sides and 2 1/2 inches to height of stool sides for seam and bottom hem allowances. Cut out all five pieces according to measurements. Note: The slip covers shown were made of home dec fabric and required only 1 yard of fabric. If you plan on matching up patterns or using 44" wide fabric you will require additional yardage. Also, if you plan on washing your slip cover, it is always a good idea to wash your fabric before you cut out your pattern pieces.

  2. Sew sides - Place two side pieces right sides together along "height" sides, making sure both pieces of fabric are going in the same direction. Using 1/2" seam allowance, sew together. Repeat with additional two side pieces. Place these two pieces right sides together along "height" sides. Sew together along both matched edges forming a ring. Using an iron, press seams to one side.

  3. Bottom hem - Using an iron, press bottom edge of ring (slip cover sides)under 2". Fold raw edge under towards pressed seam forming a 1" bottom hem. Sew bottom hem.

  4. Attach sides to top - Turn ring inside out. Mark center point of each side of slip cover top and each side of slip cover side. Placing right sides together and matching raw edges, line up and pin center points of slip cover sides with slip cover top. Pin and sew around entire top using 1/2" seam allowance.

  5. Turn slip cover right side out and place on stool. Enjoy!

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Oscar Worthy Kitchen

Renovation Style / Photographer - Michael Partenio
Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

It is always a treat to spend time at my friend Elizabeth's house. She has taken such care to design a home that is both elegant and comfortable. When her kitchen was completed several years ago it was featured in Renovation Style magazine.

Renovation Style / Photographer - Michael Partenio
Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

Elizabeth used the movie "Something's Gotta Give" as her inspiration for her gorgeous kitchen. Her renovation was such a success that she started her own interior design company, etanny design, llc.


 
Some of the special details in her kitchen include custom millwork, detailed brackets and angled drawers.

Renovation Style / Photographer - Michael Partenio
Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

 

Renovation Style / Photographer - Michael Partenio
Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

Elizabeth's kitchen story was also the first time Red Door Home appeared in a magazine. If you look very closely at the picture below, you will see the box pleat valence and window seat cushions I made.

Renovation Style / Photographer - Michael Partenio
Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Bulletin Board Bling!

In the process of collecting pink fabric samples for my daughter's room redo, I ran out of thumb tacks. (I like to display my latest fabric finds on a small cork strip above my desk. It gives me a chance to "live" with the fabric before I commit to using it.) I was looking for something pointy and remembered my Grandmother's vintage rhinestone pins. Perfect! I love how they add sparkle to the room and also give me a chance to enjoy the pins instead of hiding them in a box. I think it is time to trade in the old thumb tacks for more bling.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

New Pillow Design!

So pleased to introduce my newest pillow design. This 18" square pillow features two linen fabrics and a custom monogram. For more information visit my store.